Sensitivity Checks in Financial Models

Monthly reviews of financial performance are when results of financial modelling testing can be shared with colleagues in meaningful ways, that help the less financially oriented to understand the implications of data being shared.

In the interim periods, finance teams will want to work with other departments to analyse different possible scenarios for future project development, or assessing risk. Effective sensitivity checking of financial models ensures that regardless of what the future throws up, smart, streamlined financial models mean you can anticipate different possible scenarios to stress-test your projections. Adjusting variables in financial models and seeing the results is a key element of financial risk management that ensures preparedness for the worst and best possible cases.

Assuming your data is in consistent formats and accessible to all relevant department heads, your organisation is equipped for dealing with whatever lies ahead. Strong financial modelling systems should include configurable spreadsheets for individuals, departments; integration and comparison at an executive level. This allows organisations to plan budgets or secure external funding to support growth.

Sensitivity checking is potentially a time consuming and complex set of procedures if your data is disparate, not standardised or each foreseeable adjustment is made manually and risks human error leading to costly mistakes, however.

Data standardisation and helping clients make the most of data is the bread and butter of Excel spreadsheet and data systems management consultancies. The objective of any financial modelling system should always be to make repetitive and mundane tasks simpler for business employees to manage.

In the scenario above, an Excel price matrix was opted for to utilise historic data to generate price curves. This allows instant interpretation of mass data at a glance. ITG were able to benefit from a customised tool that accurately estimated price impacts, based on historic bchanges in numerous supplier quotations. This solved what was not just a headache for Directors, but ensured future resilience and future proofing. For account managers at the sharp end of sales, they were able to easily show prospective clients how much they could save with ITG’s offerings.

ITG now enjoy reliable control on print buying prices, are able to generate more new account pricing based on sound data analysis, hassle and headache free. The cost-effective investment in a bespoke price matrix means that cost savings for clients is bringing more customer loyalty and stronger future viability.

For companies with complex assets to manage in highly dynamic markets, systematisation of financial models is essential. Savills property management and investment were struggling with a portfolio analysis model that was simply too time-consuming for the level of business efficiency they required.

Information sharing is a vital element of effective operational management. In Savills’ case, their files from analysis of their portfolios were often too large to send over email, slowing communications and opening them to business risk.

Data presentation for stakeholders also undermined the status of their brand. Visual style, simplicity of interpretation and sophistication of data manipulation are central to smooth customer service with data driven organisations. Savills brand hangs on their prestige, but flexible, simplified presentation of their financial modelling was required.

Professional analysis of financial modelling systems can transform how teams deliver their services when custom fixes of database management are identified; without breaking the bank. Consultants will take an overview of business objectives, alongside the various users of information systems, to make adjustments in automation or rebuild models from scratch, so that they perform as needed.

Financial models can benefit from a range of system enhancements including:

data compression for smoother data sharing,

flexibility of reporting

maximised memory capacity

Improved, standardised formulas for data manipulation

automated to address compromised functionality and speed of operations.

Simple or sophisticated system optimisations can offer simplified cash flow projections, through to full balance sheets, easy to interpret profit and loss statements and flexible cash flow summaries. However, essentially, optimising your data systems is about becoming more agile in a complex, increasingly automated and highly competitive market place.

Bespoke-Excel offer a range of bespoke financial modelling solutions, including a cost-effective automation service that delivers measurable results. Organisations seeking to improve efficiency, enhance their public profile, or simply collaborate more easily in business development can benefit from more responsive, flexible and customised Excel implementations. Testing scenarios to reduce risk should not be a troublesome and time-consuming task subject to procrastination, but can become enjoyable and even exciting in being able to looking forwards afresh with new ideas supported by effective financial modelling capacity.